In PAULA: A MEMOIR, Allende recounted the tragic death of her daughter. Paula's spirit remains a constant presence in the family, and in this, Allende's second memoir, she writes a lengthy letter to Paula, tracing significant events in the lives of the members of their "tribe" since her death. Allende's voices are so alluring that the rationalist will set aside logic and step into a world populated by ghosts, spirits, magic, and fate. Blair Brown's performance makes the surreal feel completely natural and turns the everyday turmoil and joy of this close-knit extended family into something to be envied. Brown delivers Allende's passionate opinions on everything from drug addiction and marriage to fidelity and religion with sincerity, humor, and an appropriately defiant attitude.
Pub Date: 2008
Duration: 11 hrs
Publisher: Harper Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
James Michener tells the real stories behind the man and his books. The recording is read with skill and consistency although the reader does little to enhance the robust, larger-than-life incidents related in the book. Due to the first-person narrative format, there is no opportunity for the narrator to change his voice. This makes some chapters monotonous as they go on and on in the typical Michener style. The listener may also become confused because the stories are not told chronologically. This is not a great choice for the audio format, but Michener fans may stick with it to the end.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 22 hrs
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
In a quest for a sense of inner contentment and self-worth, Gloria Steinem brings the reader on a journey of investigation and discovery. Steinem reads the text herself in a straightforward and friendly, but not intimate, presentation which is so easy to listen to it invites repetition--thus ensuring the painless relearning of the lessons of the book. It's difficult to tell from the reading that this audiobook is abridged; each section can stand alone. Nonetheless, the listener wished the book were unabridged. Steinem left me wanting to learn more.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Dove Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
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